Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Triangular Retreat Built with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles for Mindfulness in Nature

Authors:
Ivan Friderup, Zara Garrido muñoz, Maria malvina Esteche, Oriana Epuyan Bichara
Triangular Retreat Built with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles for Mindfulness in Nature

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, this triangular retreat harmonizes with the Zêzere River Valley landscape, offering a serene environment designed for meditation and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins incorporate cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for exterior siding, providing both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for optimal spatial dynamics while maximizing natural light and ventilation.
04
Interconnected pathways promote exploration and social interaction while maintaining privacy among cabins.
05
Native landscaping integrates with the architecture, promoting local biodiversity and reducing maintenance needs.
The architectural project entitled "Balance Cabins" is designed to serve as a village of meditation cabins nestled in the Zêzere River Valley. This setting not only provides a picturesque backdrop but also aligns with the project’s mission of creating a serene environment conducive to mindfulness and relaxation. The concept revolves around the idea of balance, articulated through both the structure and arrangement of the cabins, which symbolize harmony between humans and nature. This intentional design approach underscores the project’s commitment to wellness and tranquility.

Functionally, the cabins serve as retreats for individuals seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the environment. Each space is designed with a focus on privacy and introspection, allowing visitors to escape the demands of daily life and immerse themselves in nature. The site is masterfully organized into a cohesive community with interconnected pathways that enhance accessibility while encouraging exploration. This thoughtful arrangement fosters interaction among users without sacrificing the individual privacy afforded by each cabin.

The architectural design employs a triangular morphology, which is significant not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its symbolic representation of balance and equilibrium. This unique shape appears to resonate with the natural contours of the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless integration between built environment and nature. The adaptability of the design is equally noteworthy, allowing each cabin to serve a variety of functions, from meditation spaces to areas for personal reflection or community gatherings. These flexible settings enable a range of interpretations and uses, accommodating both individual and group experiences.

Materiality plays an essential role in the execution of the project, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Wood has been chosen as the primary construction material, providing warmth and a natural aesthetic that complements the surroundings. The use of glass within the façades ensures that ample sunlight enters the cabins, enhancing the connection to the outdoor environment. Incorporating natural finishes not only aligns with the sustainability ethos but also helps to minimize environmental impact, echoing the project’s overarching principles.

Attention to the interior design amplifies the overall experience of the cabins. Each space is carefully crafted to promote relaxation through thoughtful layouts and design details. Elements such as skylights and large windows are used to optimize natural light and views, reinforcing the connection between the occupants and the serene landscape. Furthermore, custom furniture solutions are integrated within the cabins to support multifunctional use, ensuring that every detail contributes to the overarching intent of wellness and mindfulness.

The sustainability measures embedded throughout the design are another critical aspect of the project’s identity. Innovative water treatment systems that utilize rainwater and gray water reflect a commitment to environmentally responsible practices. The careful selection of insulating materials also contributes to the thermal performance of the cabins, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling methods. These sustainable strategies not only help in minimizing the ecological footprint but also enhance the quality of experience for visitors.

In the context of its geographical setting, the Zêzere River Valley provides an ideal locale for the Balance Cabins project. The dramatic landscapes and tranquil atmosphere create an inherent sense of peace, making it an appropriate site for a retreat focused on meditation, wellness, and introspection. The thoughtful interplay between architecture and landscape fosters an environment where occupants can fully engage with the natural world around them.

The Balance Cabins project embodies a holistic architectural vision that intertwines form, function, and sustainability within a harmonious landscape. By prioritizing user experience and environmental stewardship, this architectural design represents a thoughtful approach to rural contemporary living. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the architectural plans and sections that bring this vision to life, exploring the comprehensive project presentation will offer valuable insights into the innovative design ideas and functional aspects of the Balance Cabins.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy